Brush Loft size really makes a difference.

[shave/brush]

For the past few months I have been using my Omega 10049 brush and a Jack Black brush. The Omega 49 has a nice full boar loft and the Jack Black also has a full synthetic loft. A few days ago I tried going back to a brush with a not so full loft, an Omega 640652 synthetic and then my new Omega 31020 boar. It was like I forgot how to use then. At first I couldn't even make any lather at all with the boar.
It seems like once you get use to a brush with a full loft it's hard to go back. For me anyway.

I think I will be stuck using my Omega 49 and the Jack Black for awhile. I'm spoiled.

 

[Chadao]

With Silvertips, I have two Whipped Dog. They have a big loft. I just bought a Simson with a short loft, and I love it.

 

[shave/brush]

With Silvertips, I have two Whipped Dog. They have a big loft. I just bought a Simson with a short loft, and I love it.

Do you know what the knot size is on your new Simson? 22 mm, 25 mm or what? I'm just curious.

 

[jwilock]

Short lofts are all the rage. Didn't always used to be like that. And maybe some day a bit longer lofts will be popular again. As big as the Omega Pro is I use it quite easily for face lathering.

 

[shave/brush]

Short lofts are all the rage. Didn't always used to be like that. And maybe some day a bit longer lofts will be popular again. As big as the Omega Pro is I use it quite easily for face lathering.

Do you find it just as easy to make lather with a short loft as with a bigger one? I find it requires more effort.

 

[alpster]

I have made all my own brushes (more than a dozen) and I like a shorter loft. I am not a face latherer per se, but I like a little backbone in my brushes. I actually cut the handle off of an expensive Silver tip knot so I could reset it much deeper in a new handle. I don't like floppy brushes. Loft is the key.

 

[TML4EVR]

What would you say is the optimal loft for a 26mm TGN Premium Silvertip grade A knot?

I'm looking at having a custom brush made. My family has a summer home on the shores of Georgian Bay and the property has a 100 year old Maple tree, I'm going to have a local woodworker turn a handle for me out of a fallen limb. I really like the look of a short-lofted silvertip bulb in a large handle (like a Simpson's polo handle) but I'M not sure how deep to set it, is 50mm deep enough?

 

[takeshi]

Be careful assuming that high loft = floppy without considering anything else about the brush. I thought Lee was crazy when he suggested a 57mm brush to me after I told him that I face lather. However, given his feedback and reputation I trusted him and that's my current brush. It's not floppy at all but it is a dense brush with a 28mm knot, IIRC. Loft is just one factor to consider.

 

[Big Jim]

Don't finish the hole until you have the knot in hand. You will be able to somewhat tell how you would like it to end up once you have the knot in hand. Also, the final fitting may need to be tailored to the actual knot plug and the point slightly above the plug.

 

[TourettesTuna]

takeshi
Be careful assuming that high loft = floppy without considering anything else about the brush. I thought Lee was crazy when he suggested a 57mm brush to me after I told him that I face lather. However, given his feedback and reputation I trusted him and that's my current brush. It's not floppy at all but it is a dense brush with a 28mm knot, IIRC. Loft is just one factor to consider.

So then, would you say the the aspect ratio (loft:diameter) is more important in determining floppieness? Also what variables do you think would contribute to floppieness?

 

[HUF]

For the past few months I have been using my Omega 10049 brush and a Jack Black brush. The Omega 49 has a nice full boar loft and the Jack Black also has a full synthetic loft. A few days ago I tried going back to a brush with a not so full loft, an Omega 640652 synthetic and then my new Omega 31020 boar. It was like I forgot how to use then. At first I couldn't even make any lather at all with the boar.
It seems like once you get use to a brush with a full loft it's hard to go back. For me anyway.

I think I will be stuck using my Omega 49 and the Jack Black for awhile. I'm spoiled.

I agree Omega 49 is a great brush and has a perfect loft size.